430+ DHL workers strike in Philippines ahead of August 30–31 warehouse closure

More than 430 DHL Supply Chain workers in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, have entered their second week of an indefinite strike as they oppose the planned closure of the company’s warehouse and seek negotiations over their jobs, wages and working conditions.

The DHL United Workers Union (DUWU) began the strike on August 17 after DHL announced plans to close the Muntinlupa facility at the end of August. Local reports put the number of affected workers at 436, while the union has said more than 400 employees and their families could be affected by the closure. 

The dispute centres on a breakdown in negotiations between the union and DHL Supply Chain over a collective bargaining agreement. Workers have accused the company of union busting and called for the resumption of negotiations in good faith.

The union was formally recognised in May and subsequently entered negotiations with management. According to reports, the talks failed to produce an agreement, with workers raising concerns over wages, benefits, job security and employment arrangements. The union has also alleged that the planned warehouse closure threatens the jobs of its members. 

Workers have maintained a picket outside the Muntinlupa warehouse and have also staged protests at DHL locations in Quezon City. Support actions have been reported at other locations, while labour groups including SENTRO and Akbayan have backed the workers' demands. 

The planned closure is expected to take place on August 30 and 31, leaving the workers facing a deadline within days of the start of their strike. The union disputes DHL's position on the reasons for the closure and is calling on the company to return to negotiations.

The case also highlights the legal constraints surrounding industrial action in the Philippines. Under the country's Labour Code, the government has powers to intervene in certain labour disputes through an assumption of jurisdiction mechanism, which can result in an order requiring workers to return to work.

For the employees at the Muntinlupa facility, the immediate issue is whether the closure can be resolved through negotiations before the site shuts down. Labour groups supporting the strike have urged DHL to recognise the union and address the workers' concerns through collective bargaining.

The dispute comes as DHL continues to face restructuring and cost pressures across its global operations. The Muntinlupa case therefore reflects a broader challenge for multinational logistics companies balancing operational changes and cost management with workers' demands for employment security and collective bargaining rights.

As the August 30–31 closure deadline approaches, attention is likely to remain focused on whether DHL and the union can reach an agreement or whether the dispute will escalate further.